Fatah Isn't the Answer

Bolstering Fatah is tantamount to investing in the Titanic

America and its Middle Eastern allies have every reason to panic. The green flags of Hamas are furling over Gaza and the al-Fatah forces trained and financed by the United States have ignominiously fled. Fears are rife that Iranian-backed and Syrian-hosted terror will next achieve dominance over the West Bank and proceed to undermine the pro-Western governments of Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and the Gulf.

To avert this catastrophe, the U.S. has joined with the Israelis and the Europeans in resuming the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars in financial aid to the Palestinian Authority under the leadership of its Fatah president, Mahmoud Abbas, and accelerating talks for the establishment of a West Bank Palestinian state. The goal is to provide Palestinians with an affluent, secular and peaceful alternative to Hamas, and persuade Gazans to return to the Fatah fold. But the policy ignores every lesson of the abortive peace process to date as well as Fatah's monumental corruption, jihadism and militancy. Indeed, any sovereign edifice built on the rotten foundations of the Palestinian Authority is doomed to implode, enhancing, rather than diminishing, Hamas's influence.

Any sovereign edifice built on the rotten foundations of the Palestinian Authority is doomed to implode, enhancing, rather than diminishing, Hamas's influence.

Since its creation by the so-called Oslo Accords of 1993, the PA has garnered more international aid than any entity in modern history -- more, per capita, than the European states under the Marshall Plan. The lion's share of this fortune has been siphoned into the private accounts of Fatah leaders or used to pay off the commanders of some 16 semi-autonomous militias. The PA also maintains an estimated 60,000 uniformed gunmen on its payroll, giving the West Bank the world's highest percentage of policemen-to-population.

The Palestinian people, meanwhile, languish in ever-deepening poverty and unemployment, while lawlessness plagues Palestinian streets. The unbridled corruption of the PA and its Fatah headmen served as a principal cause of Hamas's electoral victory in 2006, as well its takeover of Gaza. Viewers of Hamas television have recently been treated to tours of the lavish villas maintained by Fatah officials in the Strip, and video clips showing PA policemen, more abundantly armed and more numerous than Hamas's troops, fleeing at the first sign of battle.

Though Fatah originally aspired to replace Israel with a secular, democratic state in Palestine, the organization refashioned itself in 1990s as an Islamic movement, embracing the lexicon of jihad. Hundreds of mosques were built with public funds, and imams were hired to spread the message of martyrdom and the hatred of Christians and Jews. These themes became the staple of the official PA media, inciting the suicide bombings that began in 2000 and poisoning an entire generation of Palestinian youth. Ironically, the Islamization of Fatah legitimized Hamas and contributed to the cadres of religious extremists who are now defying its authority.

In addition to its fiscal malfeasance and Islamic radicalism, Fatah has never fulfilled its pledges to crack down on terror. Though Mahmoud Abbas routinely criticizes Palestinian terrorist attacks as "contrary to the Palestinian national interest" -- not an affront to morality and international law -- he has never disavowed the al-Aqsa Brigades, a Fatah affiliate responsible for some of the bloodiest attacks against Israeli civilians.

In the past, such assaults have served as a means of maintaining Fatah's legitimacy as a resistance movement and countering charges that the organization sold out to America and Israel. In fact, a distinct correlation exists between the amount of support that Fatah receives from the West and its need to prove its "Palestinianess" through terror.

In view of its performance over the past 14 years, the Palestinian Authority under Fatah can be counted on to squander most or all of the vast sums now being given to it by the U.S. and the international community. More gunmen will be hired and better weapons procured, but in the absence of a unified command and a leadership worth fighting for, PA soldiers will perform no more credibly than they did in Gaza. Mr. Abbas will continue to denounce terror while ignoring the terrorist units within his own organization, while PA imams will persist in preaching their jihadist sermons.

In response, Israel will be precluded from lifting the checkpoints that not only block suicide bombers but hinder communication between Palestinian cities. Impeded by Palestinian attacks and Israeli countermeasures, the peace talks will inexorably grind to a halt. In the end, the Palestinian people will remain impoverished, divided and stateless, and more than ever amenable to the purist polity of Hamas.

If funding and empowering Fatah is not a viable option for the U.S., what other courses might the administration take? Clearly no progress toward Palestinian statehood can be made before Fatah has reformed itself financially, ideologically and structurally. Even under the most propitious circumstances this process is certain to take many years -- longer if economic aid and political support are provided to the PA unconditionally. Similarly, proposals for containing Hamas's influence by stationing an international force along the Gaza border are unlikely to succeed if for no other reason than Hamas's avowed determination to resist such a deployment. Yet the need to combat Hamas and provide Palestinians with an attractive diplomatic horizon remains acute. There is, fortunately, an interim answer.

The U.S., together with its Quartet partners, can work to establish areas of extensive Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank. Within these districts, local Palestinian leaders will be fully empowered to manage all aspects of daily life including health, education and resource management. A national assembly, comprised of representatives from each district, will meet regularly to deliberate issues of West Bank-wide concern. Security, however, will be jointly administered by Israel and Jordan. The Jordanian involvement is crucial to convincing Palestinians that the status quo of occupation has ended and they may in the future assume full responsibility for their internal defense. Such an arrangement will benefit Jordan as well, by facilitating its efforts to fight radicalism and stem the flight of Palestinians over its borders.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert described the Hamas conquest of Gaza as an opportunity for the Palestinians. This indeed may be the case, but not by resurrecting long-failed policies and imposing a state structure on a corrupt and incompetent Fatah. Doing so is tantamount to investing in the Titanic. Significant opportunities do, however, exist for policy makers -- American, Israeli, and Palestinian -- who are willing to consider new paradigms and incremental steps toward the realization of a durable peace.

This article originally appeared in the Wall Street Journal.

Mr. Oren is a senior fellow at the Shalem Center and the author of "Power, Faith, and Fantasy: America in the Middle East, 1776 to the Present" (Norton, 2007).

Visitor Comments: 18

(18)
K.Ruiz,
September 14, 2007 1:59 PM

Follow-up after Hammas victory in Gaza

I already placed a comment in June.Let this be a follow up to call the attention on this subject in view of the Hamas's coup in the Gaza Strip that quite suddenly, has given birth in the Middle East to another rabidly Islamist state. That state is the Gaza Strip, now ruled entirely by the terrorist organization Hamas. In terms of radicalism, it is right up there with Iran. Gazastan, that is about to ignite a world war.

I recommend to read the article by "Why the Hamas Victory Won't Last", y Joel Hilliker from the August/September 2007 Trumpet Print Edition.

thetrumpet.com/index.php?q=4057.0.97.0

You don't need to agree with the religious prophesies of the article, but the political analysis is quite impressive.

(17)
Yamit,
July 7, 2007 12:53 AM

not to be trusted!

The Arabs have given us enough reasons during the last six decades that they are not to be trusted. I am not in the least convinced about this so called war which is going on between Hamas and Fatah. Hamas now is in Gaza and Fatah is taking over the West Bank. Could it be that they are already a step further in gaining territory and then wipe out the whole State of Israel as is their one and only goal?I hope that the Israeli Government is well aware of the dangers which might be coming soon and stop giving land without any assurancy of peace.

(16)
Egyptian,
July 3, 2007 12:19 PM

Fatah is moderate indeed....

As an Egyptian who lives in the Middle East , I can say honestly that I see Fatah as a moderate organization....Its leaders were willing to sign peace agreements with Israel , and they are not radical like Hamas....

Of course there is a right wing in Fatah , but this is normal....Even in Israel there is the right wing , left wing and peace activists , etc...

I think that Fatah is the best peace partner for Israel in the Middle East , and I hope Israelis will not lose the opportunity to make peace with such a moderate government....

(15)
John Banaynal,
July 3, 2007 3:24 AM

silently cheering

I am following closely the events for my own personal interest as I am really fascinated by the history of the Israeli people, and also am silently cheering for their survival and victory -- having also absorbed some of the background info from Leon Uris' "EXODUS".

(14)
Anonymous,
July 1, 2007 5:46 AM

Now that is telling it like it is! We need to see more and more of these type of articles. Why? Because there are so many heads in the sand. Especially here in America where I live. You can thank Bush and Sharon for most of this mess. Sharon being pushed (BY BUSH) into doing the unheard of and giving away land that God almighty gave to the Jews, HEAVEN FORBID. Bush is my president and I never thought I would speak hard of my president to anyone even if I could not stand the sight of him. It is a matter of principle. But he is a tiny roster running around with his chest stuck out calling the shots on things he knows not of. WE will be praying for Israel and trying to put someone in office that respects Israel and the Jewish people. And no I am not a Jew, But I love them and I know my Bible and I know that they are Gods chosen and I really don't want to be messing around with Gods chosen.

(13)
K. Ruiz,
June 30, 2007 2:25 PM

Surrender of Judah

Mr Michael Oren is not more than a naive dreamer and Mr Ehud Olmert someone ready to surrender half of Jerusalem with no accountable promises from a Wolf covered with Sheep skin: Fatah. Don't you realize that the next step of Hammas is the conquest of Jerusalem and the West Bank or Golan Heights that Israel should never relinquish ?.What happened to the heroic Israel of 1967, softened, tired and defeated morally, loosing contact with own principles and God ?Even as Israel empties its pockets at the negotiating table, Palestinians are undoubtedly preparing to walk away, just as Arafat did in 2000 at Camp David. If they have learned anything from recent history, it's that they can get a whole lot more in return for violence. And how much more satisfying their conquest will ultimately be when they humiliate the Jews by forcefully taking half the city, as Bible prophecy says will happen (Zechariah 14:1-2).

The Arabs have no intent of peace. As Israel lays down its arms and keeps bargaining, the terrorists will continue pushing for greater gains through kidnappings, rocket attacks and suicide bombings until, as Arafat said at the end of Camp David, they are finally strong enough to "liberate" Jerusalem.Don't you all realize that such is the real end target of both of this fanatics, the openly Hammas or the covert-corrupt Fatah...???

(12)
Yacov Rubin,
June 29, 2007 8:35 PM

Great Analysis but solution is wishful thinking

Terrific article. The solution proposed seems like territory engineering like the progress in Iraq?? Why will Palestinians want Israeli and Jordanian security forces since they have no trust in Israel now at all. Why are you not proposing UN security forces or a joint NATO alliance to give some impression of neutrality. What does Hamas do as this is implemented in the West Bank, just sit back and disappear. They will love the opportunity to go at Israeli security forces like they have for 20 years. I don't mean to be negative, the idea is inspired. I am just concerned it is the same same old attempt in new clothing.

We all know what the real answer is.

(11)
Irwin Prince,
June 29, 2007 7:42 AM

a non-starter

Oren's idea is a good one, but probably DOA. The idea of semi-autonomous Palestinian control in the W.Bank was first proposed under Menachem Begin years ago. That was when we were fighting the idea of a Palestinian State. Also, why would Jordan get involved alongside Israel in the West Bank? The Islamists would have field day with that, all at Jordan's expense. Israel should wait to see what effect the recent release of money to Fatah has on Abbas' ability to control events in the West Bank, before making any strategic moves.

(10)
Anonymous,
June 27, 2007 4:28 PM

Nice one

Very good article, but I disagree with the comment about taking the land back from the Arabs. Everything must be done carefully, because any small "threat" would be directly reported to the media with incredible bias, not to mention a military operation from sudden.In a quiz made in Israel, most israelis think the destruction of the Al Aqsa Mosque would be a reason for World War III. Not really surprising for me, as many terrorist groups are backed up by large, powerful contries. We have to take it easy.

(9)
Yisroel Pensack,
June 25, 2007 7:56 AM

Right Diagnosis, Wrong Prescription

After correctly outlining the flaws in the Fatah-led regime and the reasons for not giving it support, the author balks at proposing the only true remedy: after 40 years of cowardly diplomatic failures, Israel must expand its borders as mandated by G-d in his Torah. Then the so-called Palestinian Arabs will have to decide whether to live peaceably under Jewish sovereignty or move to any of the geographically vast Arab countries.

(8)
sam brenner,
June 25, 2007 7:40 AM

Unfortunately,too true.

Brillant outlook having read his book onthe Six Day War. Hamas won election in Gaza because of known corruption in Fatah.

(7)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2007 11:55 PM

Is this for real!?

What yoiu have here is a renegade state divided by corrupt war mongering factions..while the general population is in a state of chaos ...well give them time to sort it out, but not at Israels expense,espescially in the arena of Life..

(6)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2007 5:28 PM

Ameliorating displaced Palestinians

What if Israel and American construction companies were to build identical housing from which the Palestinians fled on Arab territory. Would that not remove one of the most aggravated grievances...and pave the way for peace talks,while eradicating the possibility of overrunning Israel with an Arab populationshould Israel be forced to accept the refugees returning.

(5)
EGW,
June 24, 2007 4:24 PM

I couldn't have said it better myself.

In fact this is EXACTLY what I've written to several papers including the Jerusalem Post,Ynet, and one or two others. That the concentrated Arab areas would have residence rights, complete local autonomy and tax collecting privileges, responsible to and having representatives in an Arab "Parliament". But I did not go as far as the "Jordan" concept. As well, I wrote that Yesha signify intention to declare unilateral independence, with a likely resulting large increase in Aliya both from Israel and abroad. I did not see that any of my letters were even printed.

(4)
Dvirah,
June 24, 2007 2:10 PM

Autonomy

An autonomy similar to that described in the article (but without a unifying council such as proposed) DID exist in the "conquered" territories until 1986, when it was disbanded by Arafat.In fact, if the Palestinians had united all their local sheiks into a civil infrastructure, concentrated on building an "internal" palestinian economy and kept the peace, they would have already created the foundation of a working state; however such policies apparently did not occur to them. Now they will find building their state, should they really care to do so, more difficult - but not at all impossible.

(3)
yonason,
June 24, 2007 12:56 PM

slight correction

Not like investing in the Titanic, but like investing in the Titanic AFTER it hit the iceberg.

(2)
Irene,
June 24, 2007 12:49 PM

Durable Peace

When will people finally believe what the Arabs have been saying all along? That is, only the complete destruction of Israel will result in peace. Where can you go from there? Could anyone have negotiated a change of mindset from Hitler? Oh wait. Someone tried. I think his name was Neville Chamberlain.

(1)
AF,
June 24, 2007 11:54 AM

no solution here

empowering Fatah is foolish but it is the way the USA chooses to show the Arabs it is not interested in prolonging Israeli rule over the Palestinian population.The US and their Israeli partners apear to be seeking to give the Golan to Syria and the West bank including much of Jerusalem to Fatah In exchange for a truce. does not seem based on anything solid unless I'm missing much.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

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